Explain steps being taken to tackle human-wildlife conflict: Kerala HC to chief secy

Kochi: High court has directed the chief secretary to submit a roadmap outlining the steps to be taken by the state govt to put in place a robust mechanism for addressing human-wildlife conflict situations, such as elephant walls and hanging solar fences, both around the Tribal Rehabilitation and Development Mission (TRDM) area in Aralam and in various conflict areas of Wayanad district.A bench of Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Jobin Sebastian issued the directive in the wake of the tragic death of Aneesh A S (40), a resident of Aralam Farm, who was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Friday morning. HC also directed the chief secretary to bear in mind the urgency of the situation in view of the recurring incidents of human–animal conflict in the area. The court was considering a petition by Baiju Paul Mathews, seeking judicial intervention in light of the deplorable conditions in and around the farm. The petition was adjourned to March 13.During hearing on Monday, the chief secretary, secretary of SC/ST department and chief wildlife warden appeared online in compliance with HC's previous directive. The court was also informed that a govt order dated Jan 10, 2026, had already been issued for the supply of drinking water to residents in the TRDM area in Aralam. As per the order, drinking water will be supplied regularly through tanker lorries until the infrastructure under the ‘Jalanidhi' scheme is completed and made operational. Accordingly, HC further directed the chief secretary to report on the progress in implementing the govt order of Jan 10, in the affidavit to be filed by March 12. HC also observed that since the state had already recognised the situation as a state-specific natural disaster, funds for the projects could be mobilised from the allocations available under the Disaster Management Act.